The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded more than $383 million in grants Tuesday to strengthen the nation’s behavioral health treatment, prevention and crisis response services.
Of the $383.4 million being awarded, $252 million will support the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, suicide prevention and mobile crisis services. The grants were funded through HHS’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher Carroll said in a statement that 988 has “become a critical front door to behavioral health care for millions of Americans,” adding that “answering the call is only the beginning.”
“These investments will strengthen access to treatment and recovery services while ensuring that people in crisis can get the immediate help they need,” Carroll said.
Aside from the $252 million being granted towards 988 and suicide prevention efforts, $81.4 million in funds will go towards substance use treatment and prevention.
Moreover, $50 million will be awarded to mental health initiatives.
Specific projects supported by the funding include:
- 988 State and Territory Local Capacity Building/Cooperative Agreements for States and Territories to Improve Local 988 Capacity: $205.8 million
- Support for 988 Tribal Response Cooperative Agreements: $19.9 million
- National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative – Category II Treatment and Service Adaptation Centers (NCTSI-II): $14.3 million
- Rural Emergency Medical Services Training: $13.4 million
- Promoting the Integration of Primary and Behavioral Healthcare: $12.8 million
It’s the latest in a slew of funding announcements targeting behavioral and mental health initiatives from the agency.
Last week, HHS announced $77 million in grants for substance abuse treatment and prevention. Initiatives supported by the funding round include those to strengthen substance use prevention, treatment and recovery and community mental health.
And, in mid-August, HHS awarded $96.7 million for behavioral health services and initiatives. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. also announced more than $700 million in newly opened funding opportunities for services related to mental illness, addiction and homelessness in June.